iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable iPhone Ultra: Everything About Apple's September 9 Event

Apple just sent out invites for its September 9 event, and honestly, this might be the biggest iPhone launch in a decade. Why? Because for the first time ever, Apple is launching a folding phone. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is getting a massive upgrade, and a brand new CEO is running the show. If you have been waiting to upgrade your phone, this is the event you need to pay attention to.

The event is called "Surprise and shine" and it takes place on September 9, 2026. Apple is expected to show off the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra — a phone people have been dreaming about since Samsung released the first Galaxy Fold back in 2019.

But here is where things get really interesting. This is the first major Apple event under new CEO John Ternus, who officially took over from Tim Cook on September 1. So the guy who has been running hardware engineering for years is now the face of Apple's biggest product launch. No pressure, right?

What Is the iPhone Ultra Foldable Phone?

Let me start with the thing everyone is actually excited about — the foldable iPhone. Rumors call it either the iPhone Ultra or the iPhone Fold, and it is Apple's first-ever folding smartphone. It opens like a book to reveal a massive 7.8-inch inner display. When folded shut, you get a smaller outer screen for quick tasks like checking messages or taking a photo.

Apple has reportedly spent over $25 billion developing this thing. That is not a typo. Twenty-five billion dollars. To put that in perspective, that is more than the GDP of some small countries. Apple wanted to get this right, and from what the leaks suggest, they might have actually pulled it off.

The iPhone Ultra is expected to pack the same A20 Pro chip as the iPhone 18 Pro models, along with 12GB of RAM. That is a lot of memory for a phone, and it suggests Apple is positioning this device as a productivity powerhouse, not just a bigger screen for watching videos.

How Much Will the iPhone Ultra Cost?

Here is the part that might make you wince. The iPhone Ultra is rumored to start somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500. Yes, you read that correctly. This is not a phone for the budget-conscious buyer. A 512GB model could push past $2,500, making it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold.

But think about it — Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series already costs around $1,900. Google's Pixel Fold is in a similar range. Apple is coming in at the premium end of an already premium category. Whether people will actually pay that much remains to be seen, but if there is one company that can sell a $2,000 phone, it is Apple.

iPhone 18 Pro Features: 12 Major Upgrades Coming This September

Now let us talk about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. These are the phones most people will actually buy, and they are getting a surprising number of upgrades even though the overall design looks similar to the iPhone 17 Pro.

Here is the crazy part — there are at least 12 rumored changes coming to the iPhone 18 Pro models. Let me break down the biggest ones.

A20 Pro Chip: Apple's First 2nm Processor

The iPhone 18 Pro will run on Apple's new A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC's first-generation 2nm manufacturing process. The current A19 Pro uses 3nm technology. You might think going from 3nm to 2nm does not sound like much, but in chip manufacturing, every nanometer matters a lot.

A smaller process means more transistors can fit on the same size chip. More transistors mean better performance and better power efficiency. Apple is also using a new packaging design for the A20 Pro, which should help with heat management and overall speed.

What does this mean for you? Faster apps, smoother gaming, better AI features, and hopefully longer battery life. The A20 Pro chip is also expected to handle more advanced on-device AI processing, which ties into the new Siri features coming in iOS 27.

Variable Aperture Camera: A First for iPhone

This is the camera upgrade that has photography nerds actually excited. The iPhone 18 Pro's main 48-megapixel camera is rumored to feature a mechanical variable aperture system. If you are not a camera person, let me explain why this matters.

Right now, every iPhone has a fixed aperture. That means the opening in the lens that lets light through stays the same size no matter what. A variable aperture can physically change the size of that opening. A wider opening lets in more light for dark scenes. A narrower opening gives you a deeper depth of field, meaning more of your photo is in focus at once.

Until now, this feature has been mostly limited to dedicated digital cameras and some Samsung Galaxy phones. Apple reportedly partnered with LG Innotech and Foxconn to build the variable aperture mechanism, with Chinese companies manufacturing the actuator that physically moves the aperture blades.

The front-facing camera is also getting a big bump — from 12 megapixels to 24 megapixels. That is double the resolution for your selfies and video calls. If you take a lot of FaceTime calls or shoot selfie videos, this is a meaningful upgrade.

C2 Modem and 5G via Satellite

Apple has been working on its own cellular modems to replace Qualcomm chips, and the iPhone 18 Pro will reportedly use Apple's third-generation C2 modem. The first C1 modem debuted in the iPhone 16e, and a faster C1X version shipped in the iPhone Air. The C2 is expected to be the best one yet.

But here is the feature that could actually change how you use your phone — 5G via satellite. With the C2 modem, the iPhone 18 Pro models are rumored to support web browsing over satellite connections. That means even if you are nowhere near a cell tower, you could still browse the internet.

Think about that for a second. You are hiking in the mountains, or you are on a boat in the middle of nowhere, and you can still check your email or look up directions. That is a big deal. Current iPhones already have satellite SOS for emergencies, but full 5G via satellite would be a massive expansion of what you can do off the grid.

iPhone 18 Pro Design Changes: Smaller Dynamic Island and New Colors

The iPhone 18 Pro will look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro at first glance, but there are some noticeable changes if you look closely.

First up — the Dynamic Island is getting smaller. Apple is moving the Face ID flood illuminator under the display, which means less space is needed at the top of the screen for the notch area. The Dynamic Island will not disappear completely, but it will be noticeably less intrusive.

The display itself is getting an upgrade too. Apple is switching to what it calls LTPO+ display technology, which should contribute to better battery life. The screens will still be 6.3 inches on the Pro and 6.9 inches on the Pro Max — same as the current generation.

New Dark Cherry Color

Every year Apple introduces a new headlining color, and this time it is Dark Cherry. Think of a deep, rich burgundy red — classy and distinctive without being flashy. The full color lineup is expected to be Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. The current Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue colors from the iPhone 17 Pro are getting dropped.

Apple is also changing the rear Ceramic Shield area around the MagSafe charger. Instead of the current two-tone design, it will have a more frosted, blended look that fits better with the titanium frame.

iPhone 18 Pro Battery and Thickness Changes

If you buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max, you are getting a bigger battery. Chinese regulatory filings suggest the Pro Max will have nearly a 10% larger battery compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. That is a solid increase, and combined with the more efficient A20 Pro chip and LTPO+ display, you should see noticeably longer battery life.

But there is a trade-off. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is reportedly getting thicker. We do not have exact dimensions yet, but leaks suggest it will be thicker than both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 18 Pro. The extra thickness is likely needed to accommodate the larger battery and the new variable aperture camera mechanism.

The Camera Control button is also being simplified. Apple introduced this capacitive button on the iPhone 17 Pro with touch sensitivity and haptic feedback. For the iPhone 18 Pro, they are removing the touch sensitivity and haptics, keeping only pressure sensitivity. Some people will see this as a downgrade, but it could also mean fewer accidental touches when you are trying to take a photo.

Why the iPhone 18 Pro Might Cost $200 to $300 More

Here is where things get painful for your wallet. Multiple reports indicate the iPhone 18 Pro models could see a significant price increase of $200 to $300 compared to the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro could start at around $1,299, up from the current $1,099 starting price.

Why the jump? It comes down to component costs. Memory prices have surged dramatically in 2026, driven by massive demand from AI companies building data centers. TrendForce data shows the iPhone 18 Pro's bill of materials is up about 38% on memory costs alone. The new 2nm A20 Pro chip is also more expensive to produce than the 3nm A19 Pro.

Tim Cook himself confirmed that price increases are unavoidable. Apple is expected to pass $100 to $300 of the increased costs on to consumers. So if you were planning to buy the iPhone 18 Pro, you might want to start saving a bit extra.

The Memory Shortage Problem

Here is something that could affect your ability to even get an iPhone 18 Pro on launch day. Apple is reportedly scrambling to secure enough mobile DRAM to complete production of the new iPhones. Semiconductor analyst Tim Culpan revealed that about $1 billion worth of unpackaged processors are sitting idle, waiting for memory chips to arrive.

This means the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and especially the foldable iPhone Ultra could be in short supply at launch. If you want one on day one, preordering the moment it goes live might be your best bet. Otherwise, you could be looking at weeks or even months of wait time.

What Else Is Apple Announcing on September 9?

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra are the headliners, but Apple typically uses its September event to update its full product lineup. Here is what else we expect to see.

• Apple Watch Series 11 — A new generation of Apple's flagship smartwatch, likely with updated health sensors and a faster chip
• Apple Watch Ultra 3 — The rugged Ultra model is due for its third iteration, possibly with new hiking and diving features
• Apple Watch SE 3 — The budget Apple Watch should get a refresh, possibly borrowing design elements from the newer models
• iOS 27 release date — Apple will confirm when the new iOS update drops, likely a few days before the iPhones ship
• iPhone 18 Pro cases and accessories — Expect a new lineup of MagSafe cases, wallets, and chargers designed for the new colors and camera layout

One thing to note — the regular iPhone 18, a lower-end iPhone 18e, and a second-generation iPhone Air are not expected at this event. According to reports, those will be announced at a separate event around March 2027. So if you are looking for a more affordable iPhone, you will have to wait until next spring.

John Ternus: The New Era of Apple Leadership

This event is historic for another reason. John Ternus officially became Apple's CEO on September 1, 2026, taking over from Tim Cook. The September 9 event will be his first major product launch as CEO, and it is a huge one.

Ternus has been Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering since 2021. He oversaw the development of the M-series chips that transformed the Mac lineup. He is known as a product person — someone who cares deeply about the engineering and design details. Tim Cook was more of a supply chain and operations genius. With Ternus at the helm, Apple might feel a bit more like the Steve Jobs era, where product innovation leads the way.

Phil Schiller, Apple's longtime marketing chief, has also reportedly scaled back his role as the Ternus era begins. This suggests a shift in how Apple presents its products to the world, though the "Surprise and shine" tagline shows the company is not abandoning its flair for dramatic marketing.

Should You Buy the iPhone 18 Pro or Wait?

This is the question I keep getting from friends, so let me break it down honestly.

If you have an iPhone 15 or older, the iPhone 18 Pro is absolutely worth upgrading. The jump from the A16 or A17 chip to the A20 Pro will be massive. The variable aperture camera, 5G via satellite, smaller Dynamic Island, and 12GB of RAM are all meaningful upgrades you will notice every single day.

If you have an iPhone 16 Pro, you might want to think twice. The improvements are real, but the overall design is similar. The price increase also stings more when you are only one generation behind. Unless the variable aperture camera or satellite browsing is a must-have for you, the iPhone 16 Pro will still serve you well for another year.

If you have an iPhone 17 Pro, I would say wait unless you are specifically excited about the foldable iPhone Ultra. The iPhone 18 Pro is an upgrade, but it is not a revolutionary leap from the 17 Pro. The design is nearly identical, and many of the best features (like 5G via satellite) might come to more models next year.

iPhone 18 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold: The Foldable Battle

The foldable phone market is about to get a lot more interesting. Samsung has been making folding phones since 2019 and currently dominates the category. Google entered with the Pixel Fold. Now Apple is stepping in with the iPhone Ultra.

Apple's advantage is ecosystem integration. The iPhone Ultra will work perfectly with your Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods in ways that Samsung and Google simply cannot match. Apple's software is more polished, and the App Store has stricter quality control, which means apps should be better optimized for the folding display.

Samsung's advantage is experience. They have been doing this for seven years. They have figured out the durability issues, the crease problems, and the software quirks. Apple is starting from scratch, and even with $25 billion in development spending, first-generation products always have rough edges.

The price will also be a factor. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts around $1,900. If the iPhone Ultra starts at $2,000 or higher, Samsung suddenly looks like the value option — which is not something you hear often in an Apple vs Samsung comparison.

FAQ: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra Questions Answered

When is the Apple September 2026 event?

Apple's "Surprise and shine" event takes place on September 9, 2026. The event will be streamed online, and it is the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus.

How much will the iPhone 18 Pro cost?

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to start at around $1,299, which is $200 more than the iPhone 17 Pro's starting price of $1,099. The Pro Max will likely cost even more. The price increase is driven by rising memory and chip costs.

How much will the foldable iPhone Ultra cost?

The iPhone Ultra is rumored to start between $2,000 and $2,500, depending on storage capacity. A 512GB model could push past $2,500, making it the most expensive iPhone ever sold.

Will there be a memory shortage for the iPhone 18 Pro?

Reports suggest Apple is struggling to secure enough DRAM for production. About $1 billion worth of processors are sitting idle waiting for memory chips. This could mean limited supply at launch, so preordering early is recommended.

When will the regular iPhone 18 be released?

The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and second-generation iPhone Air are expected to be announced at a separate event in March 2027. Only the Pro models and the foldable iPhone Ultra are launching in September 2026.

The Bottom Line: September 9 Could Change Everything

Look, I have been following Apple events for years, and this one feels different. A foldable iPhone has been the holy grail for Apple fans since the original Galaxy Fold made people realize that folding phones were not just a gimmick. Apple spent $25 billion and waited until the technology was ready. Now, on September 9, we finally get to see what they came up with.

The iPhone 18 Pro is a solid upgrade with real, meaningful changes — a 2nm chip, variable aperture camera, 5G via satellite, and a smaller Dynamic Island. Yes, it will cost more. Yes, there might be supply shortages. But if you are due for an upgrade, this is the year to do it.

And if you have got $2,000+ burning a hole in your pocket, the iPhone Ultra foldable could be the most exciting piece of consumer technology released this decade. The question is whether Apple can deliver a first-generation folding phone that does not feel like a first-generation product.

We will find out on September 9. Set your alarms, because this is one Apple event you do not want to miss.